Healthy Acadia is dedicated to helping more community members discover the extensive health benefits of tai chi by offering a series of free classes, with the next session beginning in August.
Tai chi is is a low-impact exercise combing slow, fluid movements with mindful breathing and mental focus. Often described as moving meditation, tai chi fosters physical and mental well-being while promoting a sense of calm and relaxation for people of all ages and fitness levels. Regular practice is associated with numerous health benefits, including improved balance and flexibility, reduced stress, lowered blood pressure, enhanced immune function, relief from chronic pain and inflammation, and better cognitive function.
Certified by the Tai Chi for Health Institute, founded in 2010 by Dr. Paul Lam and colleagues, Healthy Acadia’s tai chi instructors are dedicated to empowering individuals through Tai Chi for Health classes. These classes introduce gentle, low-impact exercise routines that promote holistic health by integrating mind and body. Endorsed by government health departments worldwide and recommended by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Council on Aging, the program emphasizes its effectiveness in improving health.
Since 2014, Healthy Acadia has engaged more than 3,000 people in Tai Chi for Health classes. These classes meet for one hour per week over eight weeks and are offered free of charge, with suggested donations appreciated. Pre-registration is required.
The late summer lineup of Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes is as follows:
In-person courses:
Yang 24 Forms, Mondays, August 5 – September 23, 2024, 4 to 5 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. Comprised of qigong and Yang style mind-body exercises, this course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Tai Chi for Beginners, Mondays, August 5 – September 23, 2024, 5:15 to 6:15p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. The gentle exercises in this course help connect mind and body for increased mindfulness, stress relief, and improved overall health. Course Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tuesdays, August 6 – October 1*, 10 to 11 a.m. No class September 10. Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. This program is recognized by the USA CDC as being a highest-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Heart Health, Tuesdays, August 6 – October 1*, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. No class September. 10. Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. This short tai chi set introduces movements from the three most popular tai chi styles: Sun, Yang and Chen. It is designed to help prevent, or improve heart conditions, as well as increase balance, immunity and relaxation. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Online Courses:
Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 forms, Mondays, August 5 – September 23, 2024, 10 to 11 a.m. This course is most appropriate for people familiar with Yang Style tai chi. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Intermediate Sun 73, Mondays, August 5 – September 23, 2024, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Most appropriate for people familiar with Sun Style tai chi. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, Tuesdays, August 6 – September 24, 2024, 2 to 3 p.m. This course is most appropriate for those familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and are looking for a new challenge. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Yang 24, Wednesdays, August 7 – September 25, 2024, 10 to 11 a.m. This course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi form in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Tai Chi for Beginners, Wednesdays, August 14 – October 2, 2024, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Comprised of qigong and Yang style mind-body exercises, this course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Annette Plank
Visit bit.ly/ha-tai-chi to register for any of Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes. Once your registration is complete, you will receive the login information (for online classes) via the email address you provided. For more information, please contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 479-1206 or [email protected] Acadia is a 501c3 nonprofit community health organization working to build vibrant communities and make it easier for all people to lead healthy lives throughout Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s health initiatives, visit www.healthyacadia.org.
